FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

House Bill 641

COLUMBIA, MO (August 25, 2011) -

A new state law takes effect on August 28, 2011 at midnight banning the sale of certain bath salts and other types of synthetic marijuana. The new law makes the possession of substances containing synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as K2 or K3, a Schedule I illegal drug carrying the same penalties as marijuana.

These illegal substances include any natural or synthetic material, compound, mixture or preparation that contains any measure of a cannabinoid receptor agonist and any analogues, homologues, isomers, esters, ethers and salts. These include the compounds commonly found in K3.

Possession of more than 35 grams of synthetic cannabinoid substance will be facing a Class C Felony, possession of less than 35 grams of the substance is a Class A Misdemeanor. The possession of bath salts no matter the quantity is a Class C Felony.This new law provides law enforcement with a new tool to combat drug abuse, by eliminating the need to seek new legislation each time a new derivative of these drugs are developed. This includes any cannabinoid compound that is developed in the future will fall under this new definition.